Speech of HH Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji – Sookti – April 8, 2020 – Mysore
Compiled by Parimala Eshwarla
Duṣṭā bhāryā śaṭhaṃ mitraṃ, bhŗtyaśca uttaradāyakaḥ
Sasarpē ca gŗhē vāsaḥ, mŗtyurēva na samśayaḥ ǁ
Having an immoral wife, a domineering self-conceited friend, a servant who retaliates all the time and a house filled with snakes, are equivalent of death! This is undoubtedly true.
Our elders would often remark- it is merit that bestows the chance to be born a human; it is charity that showers the person with progeny. All these ancient sayings are profound statements! They have been derived after an in-depth study of life. It is their life experience that translates into proverbs. It is our good deeds that blesses us with a good life partner. A woman obtaining a good husband or a man getting a good wife are all based on one’s past good deeds alone!
If at all the spouse is wicked or immoral, then the person’s life is really hell. It is equivalent of death. To obtain a wife who is obedient, co-operative, accommodative, and who is moral is the result of one’s merit. Likewise to get a husband who is not addicted to drinking, gambling or other vices, who looks after her well and cares for her is a woman’s fortune which comes from her past merit. In the absence of a good spouse, life is hell.
Foolish, dim-witted, arrogant, domineering person is addressed as śaṭha. Qualities such as love, affection and reverence must exist in a true friend. Where the friend is foolish, arrogant or domineering, we need to encounter many troubles. We will be thrown into difficulties. We will lose respect in society. Our relations will distance from us. As such, living with a foolish, arrogant or domineering friend is equivalent of death.
A good residence, adequate food, comforts and clothing are the basic requirements for every human. Even if one among the three- food, clothing and shelter- is lacking, the person experiences hellish suffering. The available food must be clean and pure. We cannot eat rotten food. Clothing must not be torn or dirty. It must be clean. More important than them is a proper shelter!
Can anyone live happily in a home that is residence to snakes, termites and other poisonous insects? He will immediately abandon that home. If not, every day is akin to living in hell. Living in such a house is the equivalent of death.